Tuesday, 31 January 2012

For the latest instalment in Cellardoor's Meet the Blogger series we meet the lovely Zoe from SW Craft Club, who tells us just why she started her art and craft blog and what she has in store for us this year. Check it out!

Hi Zoe! Tell us who 'SW Craft Club' is and how long has it been around?

SW Craft Club is a blog dedicated to craft in South London. It’s still a baby, the blog has only been around for just over a year.

Why did you decide to set it up?

A moment of madness! I remember having a moan about not being about to find somewhere near to home to craft or bake. I live in Clapham, and I didn’t want to slog across London on my days off work to learn something new. So I started the blog, researched the internet and slowly started to find companies operating locally to me, so I blogged about them and thankfully it turns out I wasn’t the only one looking for a south London craft course.

Who are your inspirations and where do you get your inspiration from?

I’m always inspired by others and in terms of crafts I've been very inspired by how and where people have taken craft. How peopled have pushed through boundaries with their work and how people are now using social media to promote their work. I get my inspiration from every days things, i.e. a handbag I see on the tube, magazines, other bloggers etc.

What makes a good blog?

I only look at craft and fashion blogs, but what makes a huge difference to any blog are the images. I think great images help to pull the reader into your world, but bad images don’t attract anyone, no images are boring!

What do you do when you're not blogging?

My days always seem to be full, I’m a bit of a sponge. Currently I’m working on the layout of a new website, so I’m reading books and articles for things related to the website. I always like to make, I've attended a few short courses and workshops and I’ve got two planned for January. I got told I don’t relax, so my New Year Resolution is to find more relaxing things to do!

What is it about craft that makes you so passionate about it?

It isn’t strictly craft I’m passionate about, I studied Fashion at university. I find I enjoy anything to do with making, whether it is a cushion, a cake or turning my hand back to cross stitch. I’m willing to try most things once.

Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to start up a similar blog?

Make sure you do some market research, a little or a lot is better than nothing and hopefully it will give you something to aim for. Your blog isn’t going to look perfect at first, mine still doesn’t. I knew nothing about blogging, I had to Google the word ‘widget’ to find out what to do with one. I’m still not technical, but it will come gradually and if you don’t know, ask.

Any exciting plans for the 'SW Craft Club' in the future?

It’s the start of 2012 and we have some really exciting plans for the next year. SW Craft Club has grown very quickly in a short time and in 2012 we’d like to replicate what we do in other parts of London. So watch out, we may be coming to a town near you! And this year we are launching a new website to accompany this, but at the moment it’s top secret *watch this space*

Saturday, 28 January 2012

Stuck with what to do for Chinese New Year? Why not celebrate the Year of the Dragon is style by getting down to Trafalgar Square and checking out what they have planned this Sunday! The festivities kick off with a colourful parade, which starts at Trafalgar Square at 10.15am and ends on Rupert Street at 11.30am. After the parade, the Mayor of London and the President of Chinatown will take part in what is known as the Dotting of the Eye ceremony, which is said to bring all the dragons and lions to life. There will also be a number of performances taking place on the main stage, promising a number of exciting things to see ranging from dances to traditional singing. Nearby Shaftesbury Avenue and Chinatown will also be hosting a number of special events throughout the day, featuring their own stages for artists and performers, as well as various cultural stalls. The day ends with a special fireworks display at 5.40pm, which is sure to draw in a large crowd, and will be a lovely alternative to spending your Sunday curled up on the sofa. And the best thing about it is that it's completely free to attend!

Friday, 27 January 2012

The weather may be weird and wonderful this January but there are plenty of things to keep an inquiring mind busy this weekend (and also fairly dry I would think!). One such interesting event that will be taking place over the weekend is an art exhibition curated by the amazing Vivian Vile, the alter ego of artists Bex Massey and Ellie Green. Set up to promote emerging female artists, Vivian Vile have organised “Show Your Face”, a showcase of some of the brightest talents for 2012.

Featuring the work of 29 wonderful women fine artists, including Alice Cunningham, Faye West, Jenny Core, Heli Luoma and Maggie Rose to name but a few, “Show Your Face” is a beautiful exhibition of self portraits. A whole host of different styles and approaches, each one personal and opening up a window into how the artists’ view themselves. The show is on from Friday the 27th of January to Wednesday the 1st of February (Monday and Tuesday are by appointment only) at Cultivate, Vyner Street.

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Sunday saw the best-selling novel Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes come to life, thanks to the talented people at BBC1. The story follows lead character Stephen Wraysford at different stages of his life, both before and during World War I. And also looks at his relationship with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire.

Eddie Redmayne, fresh from his recent big screen success in the enchanting My Week With Marilyn is perfect for the role of Stephen, while the beautiful Clémence Poésy's performance as Isabelle is both compelling and moving.

Redmayne looks great in his uniform, and scrubs up well in the earlier scenes of him and Isabelle. And the naturally beautiful Poésy will have you dying of jealousy with her amazing wardrobe!

The chemistry between the two lead characters is electric, and it is truly beautiful watching their relationship develop before our very eyes.

The scenes of their blossoming romance is contrasted with scenes from the trenches, which are tense, gritty and at times, uncomfortable to watch. The story is emotional and hard-hitting, and is brilliantly portrayed by the BBC. Fans of the book will not be disappointed. The cast are fantastic, and the cinematography is amazing.

Make sure you check out the concluding episode next Sunday, at 9pm on BBC1.

Wednesday, 25 January 2012

According to scientists, January 16th was the most depressing day of the year. So why do we all feel so glum? Because it’s still a week till pay day (seriously?!), 2 months till the clocks go forward and at least 6 months until the 2 week patch of hazy sunshine that constitutes to what we, Brits, call ‘Summer’. But stop! Before you pack your bags or pen your suicide note, here are a few little ideas to help you get through till the end of the month:

Buy yourself some flowers

Thanks to the strangely warm winter, daffodils are in bloom early this year. Available from most supermarkets for around £1, these hardy blooms will last a week, and brighten up both your room and your spirit.

Have a duvet day

A quiet Saturday is only boring when it’s enforced upon you by your bank account. Why not take matters into your own hands and invite a couple of friends round. Simple food, cheesy films and cheap wine. Easy ingredients for a great night.

Pamper yourself

All that partying has no doubt taken its toll on you, so why not pay yourself a bit of attention? Everyone has a shelf of half empty beauty products, so start using them. Do a facemask, slap in a deep conditioner and give yourself a proper mani-pedi. Not only will you look better, but you’ll feel better, and you’ll be ready for February!

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Do you love the classic looking hairstyles of the 1940's and 1950's. Have you always wanted to look like a Hollywood pin up? Yep, we thought you might. That's why we were so exited to find out about this event tomorrow at Beatnik Bazaar in St Albans. The girls from Be Beau hairdressers will be giving a free demonstration at the vintage boutique, showing us just how easy it is to get the look. We're also told there will be a free glass of wine on arrival... just a little tempting

Monday, 23 January 2012

For this months edition of 'When I Grow Up' we interview the lovely Sarah, a blogger and jewellery maker working under the name the Temporary:Secretary. Here we talk to her about her brand, and what made her get into it in the first place.

Who is the 'Temporary:Secretary'? And how long have you been making jewellery? Temporary:Secretary is the name of my jewellery and accessories brand. I wanted a name that was quirky and different, something that would suit my brand and what I was selling. I started the business in 2008, so it has almost been 4 years now.

What inspired you to get into jewellery making?

It is difficult for me to pinpoint what inspired me to start my jewellery business, because before 2008 I was not in to jewellery and accessories. I was selling things on eBay and it evolved from that. After I graduated, I found it difficult to let go of the business. I had invested my own money in to it and it had potential to do well.

Who are your inspirations?And where do you get you ideas from?

I used to be more creative with inspiration. I was still at university when the business started and making jewellery was just a hobby. There was no pressure and I was having fun with it because I never saw it as a long-term venture. However, now with having bills, fees and overheads to pay now, the pressure gets to me and that stunts the creativity slightly. I constantly think in “business mode”. I guess I feel I have to be more commercial, for mass appeal. I know I have a lot to learn still.

What makes a good business idea?

With both the blog and business, you have to make sure you stand out. In such a saturated market, it is vital to ensure that you're different - put your own twist on something and give someone something to be excited about. It is nice to take inspiration but ultimately, be individual. It's the only way you'll get ahead. Don't be afraid to be creative, even if it means weeks of brainstorming and research. The hard work will pay off when you finally have something you can shout about.

What do you do when you are not blogging/jewellery making?

Blog and work. That's about it. I find it really difficult to switch off from work. I am constantly working. I am always on the computer, laptop, mobile phone – working. People that know me will tell you this. I rarely watch tv or listen to music these days. Even when I am watching tv, or if I am out shopping, I’ll use the internet on my phone to answer customer query tweets and emails.

What was it about jewellery that made you want to make your own?

I started to make jewellery for myself because at that time, there was very little jewellery that looked like this. I used to look at accessories on the high street and they were either really dainty little pieces or encrusted with tacky diamonds that would fall off after a few wears. Nowadays, they have all caught on to the "novelty" kitsch jewellery, it has been difficult to compete with the high street giants! Especially Primark.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give people who may be thinking about doing something similar?

There is no easy and quick solution. It takes a lot of hard work! It's just pure hard work and perseverance. People may think it's easy but you're going to become your own boss, and although there will be people to help you, you're the one who makes the final decision! So be cohesive, think about all the aspects and how to execute them. I have learnt this the hard way!Be willing to learn and accept feedback, good or bad! It all helps you to make your business better, and when it all fits in to place, it may develop in to more and there will be rewards! Hard work first, rewards later!

Friday, 20 January 2012

We spotted these earlier and think they're pretty cool. Swedish jewellery design student George Chamoun started a project he called Iconatomy - a combination of icons and anatomy - in which he merged a photograph of an icon with a recent celebrity.

Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Snail mail seems like a distant memory, well if you don't count bills and the other junk envelopes that seem to clutter the letter box! What ever happened to that exciting feeling of receiving a nice letter in the post. Well after seeing these special edition Roald Dahl stamps we might have to start sending some of our own. Six of the authors best loved stories have been featured on these special set of stamps, with the much loved illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

A new year gives us each the chance to wipe the slate clean, start afresh, and make exciting plans for the forthcoming twelve months. One of our favourite parts though is hanging up a new calendar, allowing ourselves 365(or 366 on occasion) days of adventures to get lost in.

Now, not that we wouldn’t be happy with a One Direction Calendar (Staring at those boys for a whole year on my wall) we fear that I must adapt a somewhat adult approach to calendars this year. Yet there are so many beautiful designs out there!

The Illustrated Owl calendar by Stacie Bloomfield, is delicate and beautiful, and can allow you to dedicate a whole wall to your dreams for the year.

If you have a boring desk in which you want brighten up and count down the days until that festival/ holiday/ weekend, then we found this perfectly miniature, but none the less pleasing on the eye calendar. Every month there is a cute illustration, alongside some inspirational words.

We love this Circular Calendar design by Caitlin Keegan, from Brooklyn. The design is inspired by Greek mythology, and will definitely take pride of place upon any wall it is hung. Lovely.

We're also hoping we can get our hands on this sold out one by the uber talented Rob Ryan... sigh.

What calendars have you opted for... or perhaps some of these have taken your fancy. Let us know!